Bong, Nimba And Gbarpolu Counties Hit With Threat To Farmers
A picture of the destructive pest
By Peter Dennis, dennisrealone@gmail.com
There is a threat to crops and water sources as army worms have invaded three counties—Bong, Nimba and Gbarpolu, the Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed.
“Armyworms are destructive pests that eat grass, vegetables, and ornamentals, destroying entire plants quickly. These pests grow into moths within a few weeks, but the larvae stage causes the most damage.” Armyworms: How to Spot, Stop, and Prevent These Pests in the Garden (morningchores.com)
Scientists say they have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult armyworms are moderately sized with a wingspan of around 1.5 inches.
The Agriculture Ministry’s Extension Officer in Bong County, Kollie K. Nah has confirmed the outbreak in the county, while a Deputy Minister at the Ministry told the private-run OK FM radio in Monrovia on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 that the army worms have also invaded Gbarpolu County, which is a rare situation.
He said a team from the Minister have been investigating the invasion of the army worms in many communities and a report will be done shortly.
According to Mr. Nah, an Agriculture Ministry which has been dispatched in various areas are accessing the situation.
“We have dispatched people there with a formal report to headquarters and are awaiting an official response to begin taking actions in these areas,” Mr. Nah said.
During the last government of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, there was a major armyworms invasion in Bong County.